FRANCE, late 18th or early 19th century Pair of solid molded mahogany and beech veneered chairs with ormolu lozenges or florets, with slightly upturned bandeau back, inlaid with a star and ribbon dotted with ebony, openwork board with a crosspiece topped by two leaning consoles, resting on four legs, tapered front and saber back. Stamped JACOB FRERES Rue Meslée under the front crosspiece. Directoire or Consulate period. Old labels on the back of the belts bearing the handwritten words ''Salon de Mr GEYLEO''. Old straps; soft green velvet trim. 91 x 47.5 x 54 cm. A few cracks and small lifts to the back veneer; scratches and knocks from use; crosspieces and one backrest restored; play in the joints of the belt of one chair at the level of the rear legs. The Jacob Frères company, made up of two of Georges JACOB's sons, Georges II JACOB (1768-1803) and François-Honoré-Georges JACOB- DESMALTER (1770-1841), was active between 1796 and 1803. This chair model, with inlaid or non-inlaid backs, was found in the furnishings of several imperial palaces, notably at Malmaison. Provenance : Maître BIGNON, Hôtel Drouot, room 6, sale February 16, 1953.